D-lab Basic Training upgrade grounding on 5F1 Champ tube guitar amp Fender Kits noise reduction

Here it is, another Basic training session. This time we address the unreliable grounding system found in pretty much all of the kits offered today. The kit manufacturers know that most new kit builders do not have a high power soldering iron capable of bonding wires to chassis, so they direct you to use the power transformer mounting studs for the application, Bad idea, Here is a classic case of what can/will happen. I have a solution for you. Take a look. This solution offered will do the trick.

[@rciancia]

A master tip from a master and the most commonly overlooked. I missed Svengoolie and Snozaramus :P Good stuff Terry, as always !!

[@craighensley2750]

Thanks for fixing my amp Terry, you’re the man!!

[@steveyardan6215]

Great tip. I do the same..Some say grounding to the transformer bolt introduces noise from the transformer into the circuit. Maybe it does.. Personally, I think one of the most satisfying mods to the 5F1 is eliminating the on/off volume pot by relocating the fuse holder, installing a switch where the original fuse holder was and then using a singular pot for volume control thus distancing the AC away from the audio.

[@MikeGervasi]

I'm 1/4 way into this build. I've incorporated every tip you've provided so far. What would be amazing (but time consuming) is if you made a video series where you build this kit. I know a lot of people are doing it and it would be so much easier to follow along with you as we go. Also would result in far less failed builds.

[@williamgombert7710]

Intresting! An idea for a next short video: explaining on a wiring diagram all the modifications on a 5F1 you suggest.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Excellent video Terry, shows the importance of secure grounding ...Lots of info there,..Ed..UK..😀

[@blues61]

Thanks for sharing these best practices, Terry. Keep 'em comin'!

[@timbianco5325]

Love these videos please continue them

[@kenmorse2147]

Wonderful lesson Terry!

[@666gelinas1]

Great videos. Lots of information. Keep it up!

[@rayhogan785]

Glad to see you used the 2 internal tooth lock washers. An important point for good grounding. Keep up the great amplifier videos!

[@mackfisher4487]

I love your approach to grounding to the chassis particularly two star lock washers. This is the approach that my shop used for two-way radio installations A- connections remain good even in high vibration vehicles.

[@gaylen8467]

Nice going, something so simple is so important, yet..... Thanks Terry

[@richardweinberger2756]

I'm not big on grinding close to wiring and other components, the thought of metal particles going round and round is creepy. That being said,,, that 5F1 sounds great,,, customer will be thrilled and have great tunes for years to come. Basic training - GREAT CONCEPT .

[@hershelshochter4703]

add a bit of dielectric grease to connections like that, it keeps moisture out. vaseline works just great for that.

[@bsicotte]

Yup, I'll be doing this next time I'm inside my 5F1 kit amp. Thanks Terry!

[@jeffreyporter4953]

I opted to drill a small hole and did my major grounds first with a small butane torch. Worked great and it didn't blue the chassis too badly. Win win lol

[@50of50]

Great basic training. Keep them coming Terry. Well done

[@mrdinx]

Loved the series. Look forward to more. Also, add some ham radio projects to the basic training if you haven’t planned any yet.

[@chrischwaz7788]

Now that you are retired you should make a DVD on how to do amp repair

[@tomp538]

A wise electrical engineer once told me: "All electrical problems ARE ground related; until proven otherwise."

[@weschilton]

Nicely done!

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Great and practical pro tip.

[@electrolytics]

Rock and Roll!!

[@MarkGutierrez]

Do you rough up the chrome for the input jack as well?

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent

[@patprop74]

5:45 You have basically created a center tap for the 6.3V filament because the transformer did not come with a 6.3V center tap? is that correct?

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

When you played the chord on the Guitar I got the urge to listen to C C R!

[@KeepsOnBurning]

The Midnight Special?

[@timburle4980]

Who’ll stop the rain!

[@chunkymonkey059]

Any recommendations to make it less noisy? I’ve already moved the power switch away from the volume pot and added shielded cable to the input. Maybe it’s just the nature of this amp’s design?

[@doughsnakes]

I have heard that it is better to have separate grond busses for the power supply and preamp. My champ build has a single ground buss and is dead quiet. Would it be advisable to change it?

[@angrypickle]

Any recommendations on where to pick up some of those terminal boards online?

[@Theoobovril]

What about final Quality Control, Tony has not tested this amp via his guitar yet...he-he...

[@amoruzz]

👍

[@Lee-NN7X]

Cool beans....😊

[@gingercat777]

100%

[@thomasmiccolis9051]

Why not make it easy & just make a better connection at the transformer mounting screws? Scrap away the chrome if need be (although it should be conductive) and use an appropriate external tooth washer to bite?

[@BenPrevo]

The ac wiring as well ? Hot to fuse tip and then switched -- ? Neutral straight to other side of p/t primary ? Also check these mods -- thanks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHKnhJpjg5p9jtE

[@srtamplification]

Snozaramous is out of a job now.

[@d-labelectronics]

Oh no, he will always be laying in wait

[@timburle4980]

Can you imagine if snozaramous died? We would all be in mourning.

[@srtamplification]

@@timburle4980 I'm going to have to break out my Snozaramous in one of my videos. He needs to be on camera too.